FOCUS is a feature length documentary about Mike Ross, a seemingly
average, 26-year-old African-American college graduate, who happens to
be one of the world's best video game players. When he is not making
side money shooting wedding videography, Mike devotes his time to the
popular fighting game Street Fighter 4. In it, he regularly battles
other players in one-on-one competition online or live in front of
large audiences, in matches that pack the drama and intensity of
heavyweight boxing fights. The film is a portrait of Mike’s summer of
2010, as he travels around the country competing in events in order to
prepare for the biggest tournament of his life - Evolution 2010, held
in Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas.
The film gives a look at a thriving youth subculture with fans from
across the world, and how Mike's success in that subculture can lead
to celebrity status within it. It dissolves the preconceived notions
of "video gamers" by following and interviewing Mike and his friends
and family, revealing the origins, hardships and misconceptions of his
lifestyle, and drawing comparisons to the life and competitive nature
of any professional athlete. And it explores the possibility that in
the next century, with the rise of the YouTube and XBox generation,
video games could very well become the next great billion-dollar
spectator sport.
FOCUS is the debut documentary feature of director Steve Hwang, an
Asian-American filmmaker and graduate of Art Center College of Design
in Pasadena, California.
“FOCUS brings competitive fighting games outside of its niche image and presents itself as one of the most impressive e-sport documentaries I’ve seen.”
"Gamers, in general, should try and check out this documentary ... The movie shows what it is like to be at the highest level of competitive gaming."
“This documentary is something even non-gamers could enjoy and relate to. FOCUS was as inspiring as it gets; You will believe in Mike Ross.”
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